Papa John's Donates to Oklahoma Tornado Relief Effort

John Schnatter, founder and chief executive of Papa John's Pizza, arrives at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles in November. The pizza chain apologized this weekend on Facebook and Twitter for a racial slur written by one of its employees on a receipt. (Danny Moloshok/Reuters)

Papa John's Pizza stood supported Moore, Oklahoma, by rolling out a special offer Sunday to help with the relief effort. Papa John's donated $1 for every pizza order with the proceeds going directly to the Salvation Army Oklahoma Recovery Effort. Anyone who enjoyed a pizza that day was able support a great cause at the same time.

"Our thoughts and wishes continue to go out to the incredible community of Moore, Oklahoma," says John Schnatter, founder, chairman, and CEO of Papa John's Pizza. "The horrible events of last week have totally transformed the lives of people in this region, and the loss has been just devastating. Everyone in the Papa John's family salutes and stands behind the recovery effort, and we hope that others across America will join in as well to fuel the rebuilding of this community, which is truly in the 'heart' of our nation."

The tornado passed through a path nearly 17 miles long and at times, it was more than a mile wide. Twenty-four people died as a result of the tornado.

Local Oklahoma Papa John's operator Jason Opie and his crew have been serving up hundreds of pizzas to feed victims and relief workers who are assisting with the cause since early last week. The first Papa John's "mobile kitchen" relief truck also arrived May 25 to serve larger crowds. During the first 24 hours, the truck served more than 1,200 pizzas and will remain on the ground throughout the week, according to a company statement.

"Employees and their families who work in our restaurants have also been directly impacted by the tornado, and our hearts go out to them as well," Schnatter says. "But this week, every member of that community is part of our direct family, and we believe that it is our obligation to do everything we can to help this region get back on its feet. We're proud to partner with the Salvation Army Oklahoma Recovery Effort today for this special fundraising campaign. Let's all jump in and help the town of Moore!"